Asbestos Findings Lead to Roadworks Delays in Parts of the UK

Asbestos is most commonly associated with building sites and older properties, but its presence is also affecting infrastructure projects—particularly roadworks—across the UK.

Each year, an estimated two million street and roadworks projects are carried out throughout the country. These can range from small maintenance tasks to major infrastructure upgrades. When asbestos is discovered during such work, it can cause delays that last from several days to several months, depending on the extent of the contamination and the removal process required.

This situation is currently affecting works in Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire County Council is undertaking improvements to the Fire Station Roundabout near Watermoor in Cirencester, as well as the nearby mini roundabout at the junction of Love Lane and the Midland Roundabout.

The project was designed to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and address local flooding. However, during the early stages of the work, a small amount of asbestos was found on-site. While the contamination was not considered severe, the material must be removed by licensed specialists under strict safety regulations.

As a result, the council has confirmed that the project’s completion date will be delayed by three months, with work now expected to finish in July 2025.

Similar delays have occurred elsewhere. In Somerset, road improvement works in and around the town of Bruton were paused when asbestos was found beneath a traffic island.

As many parts of the UK’s road network date back to periods when asbestos was still widely used in construction, these discoveries are becoming more common. Older road structures can still contain asbestos materials, even if they are not immediately visible or expected.

To address this, local authorities and contractors are increasingly encouraged to carry out asbestos surveys during the early planning stages of roadworks. Identifying potential risks before work begins can help prevent delays, avoid additional costs, and ensure safety regulations are followed.

While asbestos may no longer be used in construction, its legacy remains present in parts of the UK’s infrastructure. As more improvement projects are planned and carried out, careful planning and early testing are becoming key steps in managing both safety and project timelines.